What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? Unity, I know that isn't an object, but I personally feel that no one object should be the focus of one's greater desire. It is the cohesive whole that makes a space great. It is the multitude of elements that tie a space together that make it a home making its occupant or resident feel as if they are a part of that space. It is that intrinsic nature of every piece of the design, the character and thought behind it, the use of color and material which ultimately weaves space together. That is my favorite element!
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? The largest challenge was creating private/distictive spaces that still speak to one another and maintain an open feel. This was accomplished by creating a design utilizing an open floor plan that lets program spaces overlap and eliminates dedicated circulation space.
The threshold between private and public space is blurred and each area is intentionally connected in a manner that allows uninhibited movement and adds to the approachable scale of what could have otherwise been a very confined space. This openness is balanced by a rigorous spatial organization that is punctuated by clean lines and careful placement of insertions. Where separations do exist, they are thoughtfully placed to help delineate and identify, such as where the sleeping mezzanine compresses the rear bay and defines the bathing area.
Color and materiality were used to create a sense of continuity throughout the design. The raw concrete structural system and all of the existing mechanical systems were left exposed to contrast the polished interior additions. The vivid red used throughout becomes a thread that stitches the spaces together; a bold statement at the foil finish cabinets but an understated accent as a tile insert in the concrete countertop.
These deliberate design strategies guided the creation of this modern space that fulfills my functional needs while delivering a unique finished product that triumphs over the restraints presented by its physical size.
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nice place, amazing bathroom
I am impressed that a space so small could accomodate a dinner party of 4 easily with ample space for cocktails, sharing in the cooking experience and then dining. The bathroom rocks. Great selection of materials and a beautiful, modern aesthetic. The red kitchen cabinets are a unexpected surprise and it works in the space. You could easily add acccents of turquoise or yellow to kick it up. I could easily live here but would have to teach my dog how to climb a ladder. She'll do it if there's a king size bed!
I remember seeing this apartment awhile ago, when the living area only had the couch (which the owner took on a big big sale) and most AT members advised him to add some art. Nice work, I'm amazed of how manly yet inviting it seems.
As much as I like the theme they were going for, I don't think this was executed well. It seems to busy to me. Like they were trying to cram a bunch of ideas they had into one place. There's a bit to much of a throw back to the 80's for me as well. In and of itself that's not bad but, like I said, they missed the mark in it's execution. They should have exercised a bit more restraint. That goes double for the bathroom.
With colors and, er, "materiality" like that, it probably feels cozy in real life; warmer than the pictures, which seem vaguely cold. I mean, it is likely to fit the description of conveying the idea of a comfortable dwelling for sentient beings who are in actuality occupying or visiting this particular residence. Photographs are incapable of conveying the warmth of the real-to-real-life experience undoubtedly experienced in person. I could fathom enjoying ambulation from one program space to another.
Seriously though, nice place. It really feels large from the photographs. Nice colors, classy style, good use of space for your particular purposes. My lounging needs far outweigh my open space needs and my dining space needs put together, however, so the only things *I* see lacking are padded benches or something like that upon which one might sit comfortably and casually.
One other critique for this entry: Did you put your description into a human->salesman/beaurotalk translation machine? I mean, it's fun to talk like that, for, er, fun, but really? Sounds like a very artistic sales pitch; take that as you will.
I love the exposed air ducts.
MiqMag - I think the language the entrant used reflects his training as a designer. Unfortunately, that is how they are (often) expected to communicate - especially for design competition entries. But for the audience of this contest, I think it's pretentious.
I'd respect this entry a lot more if he hadn't added art (red/white canvas) and furnishings (rug and an extra stool) to his renderings that we can see from the photos isn't in the apartment.
And a dish chair? Should have hid that one away!
I do have to admit the lighting is spectacular, especially since it appears the photos are taken at night.
Wasn't this in a previous small cool contest?
(I'm sure you can re-enter. I just feel like I voted on this before.)
I really like this place. I love the way the three lamps were used to separate the sleeping area. The colors are awesome. Very Industrial Modern.
I really like everything that is not furniture or "decor".
Looks cool though.
Great open space and color scheme.
Yes, Filthy, it was entered last year.
I'm drooling. This apt. is awesome!! Just wow!
Did anyone read the architect's descriptions?
That is 90% of what they taught us in architecture school.
How to write flowery words about space.
My amusement aside, really nice apartment and great use of space.
I always wanted to live in a loft apartment. If I ever did, I would use a lot of the ideas you presented. It is hard to blend funky and warm....and you managed to do so beautifully.
love the kitchen.
This is such an awesome place! Although its scary how well I can predict me falling down those stairs, especially in the mornings when I'm still half asleep.
It is a nice space, but I agree with posters before about having more restraint in the bathroom. For me the tiling seems a bit too much.
The living area looks great but the sofa is so out of place. The styling does not fit in with the raw industrial nature.
For me it seems like that they are missing that one trick to make it a really amazing space.
Thanks for all the comments good bad or otherwise. Sorry about the verbage of the description, to be honest I couldnt remember the format and pulled something i'd used before. Architects are trained to speak some form of other language. It would be far different if I could sit down and give a guided tour. It was more about posting for ideas (the point of this website anyway) than anything else. I've since added the art and pulled in tons of greens, yellows, oranges into the mix. I opted out of the original piece (renderings) because it didnt pull in anything substaintial to add to the space. The photos I had taken for me were all from last fall, so out of date, but nice photos that are hard to immulate. It is remarkable the kinds of comments you can receive on such a tiny space, so thank you. The idea of "home" or place varies from person to person, so it is a designers goal to fulfill every need, want and desire of the final occupant and not the collective whole. Its all about the individual and it has truely been a fantastic fit. I've been there going into my 3rd year and I'm in awe that I can feel completely comfortable in a 540s.f. place. Thanks AT.
Pertaining to the last comment about that "one trick" I totally agree. Oddly enough I try and find that same idea or scheme in every entry and in every space I enter, to learn from it and put it into my own work. One hint is to look further into the photo than its overall composition, find the subtle details that only the owner knows about and that its guest get revealed to over time. Its not always about the "aha" there it all is moment. Look further and understand the details, finding those hidden gems is almost as rewarding as a full frontal assult on the senses by "purchased" "designer" items, because lets all face it money can buy nice things, but not all nice things can make a great space.
This place feels like a dream it is so great.
I love it! =)